Last year, we were very happy that we did not have very much snow and it was quite a mild winter. Well, I wish I could say the same for this winter, but it seems as if all the snow from last year has arrived.

Ever since December 2013, we have had snowstorms, which have gotten more severe. Two weeks ago, the day before the Super Bowl it started to warm up, then on Super Bowl day it was beautiful. Since then, it seems more like Juneau, Alaska, than New York City.

It has been frigid cold with snow and ice. This weather has really been hard on everyone of all ages, the old and the young suffering the most. The ice is especially dangerous. So, please be careful walking and if there are any problem areas on our Woodhaven’s Jamaica Avenue from Dexter Court to 100th Street please call our GWDC/WBID office at (718) 805-0202 and we will address the location.

Remember only 27 days before daylight savings time, when it’s lighter later. Also, the sun will be stronger and the snow will be a memory.

As all Woodhavenites we have to keep on getting down to our Jamaica Avenue. In spite of the continued bad weather, the stores are open and there are residents walking on our avenue. If you can't get to our avenue, there are many food stores, restaurants and businesses that deliver.

Some of our supermarkets offer free home delivery. Some can take orders over the telephone. So, if you don't want to go out, stay home and get what you want delivered right to your door.

Being so preoccupied by this brutal weather, we almost forgot our day for "lovers," Valentine's Day, will arrive on Friday of this week. There are still many gifts and tokens of love available on our "Everything Avenue."

As I have stated before, in our many stores you can buy cards with loving sentiments and any “heartfelt” gifts you may need. Most of our stores are family owned and operated, and offer personalized warm attention to their shoppers. All on your award-winning Woodhaven’s Business Improvement District.

So buy that perfume, a gift certificate, jewelry, special outfit and especially the homemade delicious box of chocolates for that loving lady in your life. And for that special guy buy him a shirt, a special manly cologne and if you really want to show your love, let him have some of your chocolates. All, of course purchased on our Woodhaven’s Jamaica Avenue for Valentine’s Day and on Presidents Day too.

So please, always shop locally, especially now in these difficult times keep your money in our Woodhaven community. I hope that you have a very loving day with many appreciated gifts.

So shop locally, when you come home from work or when you can get down to our avenue.

Remember our children will be safe in New York because of our Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown, who is prosecuting all child abuse cases to the fullest extent of the law. If you suspect child abuse, call (800) 342-3720, you may remain anonymous.

Sadly we lost an excellent professional respected photographer recently, Ira Cohen of the Queens Tribune. Ira was a veteran of the Vietnam War. In addition to being so talented, because of his service he was also a hero and will be missed.

May God bless our leaders, may God bless our armed forces, and most of all, may God bless our America.